Do you have to escrow for taxes?Washington Post: If you are buying a home in the District and putting down 20 percent or more, you have the right to pay your own real estate taxes and insurance.

Six steps that could boost refinancingWall Street Journal: Demand for new loans or refinancing remains muted, underscoring reasons why policy makers at the White House and Federal Reserve are thinking about new ways to help more homeowners refinance.

Jumbo loans make a come-back in metro marketWashington Examiner: Jumbo loans in the $1 million to $3 million range, with interest rates between 4.25 percent and 4.75 percent, are available to buyers with credit scores of at least 740.

What $1.2M buys you in DCDC Urban Turf: The second most-expensive home on the DC market is listed at $12 million. Here's a look of some other million dollar homes.